Are Dental Implants Right for You?

Are Dental Implants Right for You?

Dental implants are a viable artificial tooth replacement option when you have missing teeth. You need to decide whether this option is the best one for you or if another option, like dentures, partial plates, or dental bridges. One of the biggest mistakes people make when evaluating the various artificial teeth replacement options is to base their decision entirely on the initial costs. This is never a good assessment method for several reasons.

The first consideration should be your age and overall health. Are you healthy enough to undergo the surgical procedures required to get implants? If not, then your dentist will discuss other options that do not put your health at risk. On the other hand, if you are healthy and qualify for implants, you need to be committed to practicing proper oral hygiene, as well as regular visits to your dentist. In addition, the younger you are, implants are highly recommended since the materials used to make implants are designed to last a lifetime. In most cases, you will never have to worry about ever needing to get an implant replaced.

The next consideration should be the total lifetime costs of each replacement product you are evaluating. Dentures, partial plates, and dental bridges have to be replaced about once every five to seven years. You need to take the replacement costs into consideration in order to accurately compare the costs of implants to these other products. Most people are surprised to learn the initial costs for implants actually comes out to be either comparable or much less than the lifetime costs for the other dental products, depending upon their age.

You should also take the time to consider the advantages and disadvantages of each dental product. Dental implants have numerous advantages over dentures, partial plates, and dental bridges, such as:

You are able to eat and enjoy all of your favourite foods. Since implants are permanently secured to your jaw bone and do not slip and shift while you eat, there is no pain or problems when eating.

There is no change in your speech patterns. Dental implants mimic actual teeth and do not slide, slip, or cause problems when speaking.

Implants prevent gum shrinkage and bone loss. Other teeth replacement products sit on top of the gums and results in gum shrinkage and bone loss over time, which also changes the appearance of your face.

No risks to adjacent teeth. The anchors used on other products, where they are secured to your existing teeth, rub and wear the teeth down. Eventually, these teeth also have to be replaced with artificial teeth.

Implants are more convenient. You never have to remove your teeth, use special cleaning products, or adhesives. You simply brush and floss implants just like your other teeth.

To learn more about dental implants and to find out whether they are the right tooth replacement product for you, please feel free to schedule a consultation appointment at Dentistry in Waterloo today by phoning 519-885-5880.